Narrabeen Youth Club (NYC)- History

Interview with Ted Blackwood - Founder and Patron of NYC.

How many different sports were there initially?
Initially the youth club had gymnastics, physical culture, yoga, ballroom dancing, softball, netball, soccer, cricket, badminton, squash, fishing, drama classes, boxing, junior gymnastics. These sports folded after a while due to the lack of people, volunteers to run them. Narrabeen Youth Club continues to manage both football and netball clubs.

​When did the Narrabeen Youth Club Begin?
The club began in May 1965, when Narrabeen R.S.L called for a meeting at which every sporting code with the name “Narrabeen” could attend. These included ‘The Narrabeen Amateur Soccer club’, ‘North Narrabeen Cricket Club’ and the ‘Swallows Basketball Club’. These associations agreed to join forces to form what we know today as the Narrabeen Youth Club.

What were the main reasons for beginning the club? Was it a personal dream of yours?
I had been involved in soccer for a long time. I wanted to unite the local sporting clubs and create an association to provide sporting activities for the local community. It was a personal dream of mine to start the youth club after I joined the Narrabeen Amateur soccer club.​

Ted Blackwood (centre) with his Daughter and Granddaughter

Ronda Alterator (OAM) - Life Member, Ted Blackwood (founder) and Gail McDonough (former President)

How was the club financially supported in it’s initial years?
A lot of donations were given to the club. The annual fee was our main source of financial support, but we also held fundraisers, raffles, dances, cake stalls, and received lots of donations from different businesses in the area. Our canteen helped a lot.

​When was the Ted Blackwood Hall built, and how important was it to the club?
It was officially opened on the 25th May 1975. The main funding came from the Warringah Shire Council. It was a great advantage to the club and the community. It has been a great asset to the district, as many organizations have hired the hall for various activities.

What kind of activities are involved and what are the age ranges?
Our club consists of Netball and football. Netball provides a program called Net Set Go for 5 to 7 year olds. Nettas divisons are 8 and 9 year olds. Juniors are 10-15 year olds, 16/17 and overs are seniors. Football has Sub Juniors and Juniors, Seniors, Premier League and Over 35’s.

What is a typical year like?
Football registrations begin first weekend in February. Grading of players and teams are formed /announced by end of February. Weekly training begins in March ready for the Manly Warringah Winter Competition which runs from April to August. Presentation day is held at Ted Blackwood hall in September.

Netball also offers an 8 week NET SET GO program for littlies from 5 to 7 years olds in term 2 beginning in May. Manly Warringah Netball Association also offers players a 10 week Spring competition from October to December held Tuesday afternoons. 

How much is membership each year and what does that cover?
Registrations are staggered for all age groups. Registrations costs cover fee to play in their winter competition, fees and insurance with the Association, presentation day awards, lighting costs, venue hire for training purposes, cost of team equipment which includes balls, bibs , first aid box etc.

What is the Narrabeen Youth Club’s favourite places in Pittwater and why?
The Narrabeen Youth Club’s home is Warriewood /North Narrabeen. Our local community stretches from Narrabeen to Warriewood and even up to Elanora Heights. North Narrabeen beach and lagoon are the most beautiful parts of the Northern Beaches. It is our favorite because of the ideal location with its spectacular scenery.

What is the club’s ‘motto for life’ or a favourite phrase it lives by?
The club’s motto is “Citizenship through Sport and Culture”. Narrabeen Youth Club is a very community orientated club who supports local families.